Black Sheep, Ray Studevent
Black Sheep, Ray Studevent
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
Club: $9.99

Black Sheep
A Blue-Eyed Negro Speaks of Abandonment, Belonging, Racism, and Redemption

Author: Ray Studevent

Narrator: Sean Crisden

Unabridged: 6 hr 30 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/04/2021

Synopsis

Ray Studevent grew up between two worlds. Born to a white, heroin-addicted mother and black, violently alcoholic father, the odds were stacked against him from day one. When his parents abandoned him at the age of five, after living in a world no child should experience, he was saved from the foster-care system by his father's uncle Calvin, who offered him stability and a loving home. When Calvin tragically died two years later, it was up to his widow, Lemell, to raise Ray. But this was no easy task. Lemell grew up in the brutality of segregated Mississippi, emotionally scarred and justifiably resenting white people. Now, she must confront these demons as she raises a mixed-race child—white on the outside, black on the inside—on the eastern side of the Anacostia River, the blackest part of the blackest city in America.

As Dr. My Haley, the widow of Roots author Alex Haley, wrote in the foreword for Black Sheep, "Ray's pathway to manhood came not through the people who taught him what to do, but through the woman who taught him how to be, even as she learned for herself how to be." At a time when we are all reexamining the complex issues of race, identity, disenfranchisement, and belonging, this compelling true story shows us what is possible when we trust our hearts and follow the path of love.

About Ray Studevent

Ray Studevent has worked in stand-up comedy, as a model, and as a stock market researcher. Black Sheep is his first book.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Cheryl

Black Sheep opens with the story of Ray Studevent; a five-year old, mixed-raced child, born to drug and alcohol-addicted parents and Ray has been given a second chance at having a decent life when his father’s uncle Calvin and wife Lemell (a Black couple) decide to raise him. On top of the obvious i......more

Goodreads review by TANGA

Black Sheep is a book that took my breath away. This book had my attention from the first page to the end. Just as the book states: "A Blue Eye Negro" growing up in the blackest part of D.C (Chocolate City as it's known). One can just imaging the life that he had to deal with after being adopted by......more

Goodreads review by Roxanne

This is an excellent book. This is a memoir of a biracial boy growing up in Washington D.C. His mother who was White but addicted to heroin, and his Black father was an alcoholic and abusive. Then when he was five he was adopted by his uncle, but he died and the aunt had to care for him and her two......more

Goodreads review by Mary

This is one of the most intriguing books I’ve ever read. Some parts are sad and depressing, but the author also includes some humor. I laughed when I read about the “grease cans” on the stove. I can still see and smell the cans on my grandmother’s stove. And when Easter rolls around this year, I wil......more

Goodreads review by Star

This is a well-written memoir. The life of Ray Studevent is different than mine, and without this writing I may have never had to give thought to how so many live. This also shows parenting that is new to me, however, I understand the need. I don't rehash the synopsis or give spoilers. I will say I......more

Add to Cart
Add to Wish List